Read Acts 7
Acts 7 continues the story of Stephen. The chapter
opens with Stephen before the Sanhedrin, being called to give an account to the
high priest (v. 1). Stephen recounts the history of Israel from Abraham through
to Solomon, all along highlighting how God was in control (v. 2-50). This
emphasis reveals how God’s plan to fulfill His divine promises is always best.
After setting context by recounting the story of God’s redemption throughout
the history of Israel, Stephen makes his final point. Jesus Christ is the
fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption and the religious leaders have missed
this (v. 51-53). He rebukes the religious leaders for their hard hearts. They
had the benefit of knowing the Law and the Prophets. They of all people should
have recognized the signs and followed Jesus. They claimed to be followers of
Yahweh, but their hearts were not actually submitted to Him. Because of this,
they missed the signs and crucified the Messiah. The religious leaders were
furious at Stephen for this rebuke (v. 54). This further reveals the condition
of their hearts. If they were open to God’s Spirit, they could have repented
and set everything right. Instead they continued to reject the truth. Stephen
then received a vision of God’s glory and the Son of Man (v. 56). This was too
much for the religious leaders. They dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned
him, making Stephen the first Christian martyr (v. 57). Here we are introduced
to another character: a young man named Saul who stood by approving of
Stephen’s stoning (v. 58, Acts 8:1). Stephen’s last words reveal that, even in
the midst of the most terrible situations, we can trust God to take care of us
(v. 59) and we can forgive others (v. 60).
Journaling
and Prayer
1. Look back prayerfully over Stephen’s speech.
What does it teach us about God’s character? Spend some time praising God for
who He is and what He has done.
2. In many ways, we are at risk for becoming like
the religious leaders in this story. We have the benefit of knowing about God’s
redemption through the Bible. However, if we place our security in the knowledge
of this redemption but don’t actually submit our lives to it we will miss the
mark. Ask yourself, “Am I changed by what I read in the Bible? Do I underline
things that seem important but not actually live these principles out?” Confess
as necessary. Ask God how you can bring your life into greater submission to
Him.
3. Pray for families in our church. Pray that
parents would grow in their faith, living changed lives as a result of their
relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that children would pick up good habits
from their parents. Pray that families would learn to seek God together,
growing in love for Him and for each other. Pray that God would teach parents
about training and disciplining their children and that He would teach children
to submit to their parents.
